An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
